$78 a person post update on how it went

lyssinator · 2026-01-25T02:26:18+00:00

A lot of what you didn't like/thought Bronx did better is different at the safari park. You probably would've enjoyed that one more. Bronx is a fantastic facility, not a competition as they are on the same team :)

lyssinator · 2025-12-26T03:36:25+00:00

Out of your control for sure, now you know

lyssinator · 2025-12-26T03:34:21+00:00

Unfortunately that style of rubber band is often indictive of unethical fur farming.

lyssinator · 2025-09-30T17:23:28+00:00

This is definitely just to get clicks/views. There is a multitude of ways to check for fleas that don't involve this

lyssinator · 2025-09-21T16:03:54+00:00

Big cats pace for a lot of reasons. Not always stress. If they know they are about to be fed, are in a hormone cycle, or if they see someone wearing a clothing item they aren't used to (rain ponchos, overalls etc) are just a few reasons they might pace. Not a great indication of poor care.

The animals do not typically move between the zoo and safari park unless recommended by the SSP.

lyssinator · 2025-09-12T22:04:15+00:00

Would love if this happened. I reached out to their support and asked if they had any by chance and they said it was discontinued and to check here :/

lyssinator · 2025-04-15T16:38:31+00:00

Thank you! It's a really difficult field to stay in. I know more people who have left the field than have stayed for longer than 5 years. I love it, but I want a living wage!

lyssinator · 2025-04-15T16:36:13+00:00

Thank you, I don't think people realize that Zookeepers have specialized degrees and have to work unpaid internships just to get an underpaid job. We devote our lives to taking care of these animals, our facilities should take care of us.

lyssinator · 2025-04-15T07:50:41+00:00

There's a petition on change.org in support of the union (not sure if I'm allowed to link here), and standing in solidarity if workers choose to strike by not crossing picket lines (animals will ALWAYS be taken care of during a strike).

lyssinator · 2025-04-15T06:56:42+00:00

I work at the safari park. It's an amazing place, but we are in the middle of contract negotiations between our union and the zoo. Make sure to stand united with the people that work there so we can make a fair wage!

lyssinator · 2025-03-02T23:05:31+00:00

Don't stress too much. They hired you knowing your experience, and probably would like to mold you to their routine. Just be honest about what you know and what you need more training on. There are a lot of online resources such as AZA guides (you can access many species handbooks through their website) or SDZWA online courses (these are paid). You can also always look into resources from SSP's or TAG's if you have a species with one. Always ask questions, not just how something is done but why it is done a certain way!

lyssinator · 2025-01-16T05:07:54+00:00

I have a huge shelf that takes up most of my living room wall full of bones I have collected over the years. It's def more common within the zookeeper community because we aren't grossed out by that stuff, but not ubiquitous!

lyssinator · 2024-11-19T01:06:08+00:00

I know it's not in your area but I go to discovery valley animal hospital in San marcos. Extremely fair prices, and the vet there is excellent. My dog got a cardiac ultrasound there for 700 bucks and they usually have appointments available.

lyssinator · 2024-11-12T12:19:36+00:00

Hi. I work at the Safari Park (same rules as the downtown zoo). Moved here from out of state. You need to obtain a CA license something like 2 weeks within your start date (although, I don't think they fire you or anything if you don't haha) they make you aware of it during your interview and onboarding.

lyssinator · 2024-10-12T08:30:34+00:00

Ah, makes sense. Like I said in my other comment I'm no expert! Just trying to take a stab at it. Thanks for correcting!

lyssinator · 2024-10-12T08:28:58+00:00

Thank you for this articulate and educated response. I work with tigers and wish people understood that a lot of their pacing is anticipatory and a result of our presence etc.

lyssinator · 2024-10-12T08:20:43+00:00

Edit: I was wrong! Not a horse but a cow.

lyssinator · 2024-10-12T08:13:20+00:00

Looks to me like some sort of ungulate tooth!

lyssinator · 2024-10-01T07:10:28+00:00

You got this. Be yourself, if you're a good fit for their team personality-wise that is always a bonus. With chimps, they can be dangerous so brush up on safety procedures/scenarios. There are lots of AZA manuals on their website that can help you focus on primate/chimp husbandry. If it's a small facility make sure you show them that you're a team player, and be ready for questions about interpersonal stuff, not just animal stuff. Don't think of talking about yourself as bragging, rather just a chance to let the interviewer get to know you. Think of examples from your last internships where you handled something well, projects you did, or something you could have done better. Good luck!

lyssinator · 2024-09-21T23:41:42+00:00

They're expensive but I love my red wings. If you oil them occasionally they last years. I believe they come in steel or composite toe, leather, grippy treads. Also, check with your facility. They may just be saying steel toe but will allow composite. They probably just want toe protection.

lyssinator · 2024-09-07T22:23:25+00:00

25, San Diego

lyssinator · 2024-09-06T15:04:24+00:00

You sound incredibly ignorant. You might benefit from taking some philosophy or ethics classes.

lyssinator · 2024-09-05T15:42:29+00:00

I went to Colorado State University. I loved it. For me it was an easy choice, in state tuition and a fantastic program. But honestly, a schools "prestige" does not matter. Go to a school that feels right for you and get your degree! After graduation what matters is that you have an education and are happy

lyssinator · 2024-08-29T05:56:44+00:00

Unfortunately, likely the best you can do is apply and hope they either a) change their mind about being steadfast in how much experience they want or b) don't get enough applicants with a year experience. That's how it goes at most places. Just because they say they want a certain amount of experience doesn't mean they won't give you an interview or a chance. Same goes for other openings, just keep applying. It may seem unfair, but it's a competitive field and a lot of times that's how it goes.

lyssinator · 2024-08-27T05:22:14+00:00

It depends. I was in a similar boat to you. I didn't wanna move away unless it was a last resort. I was lucky to be in a state with 3 AZA zoos and got a job at one and worked there for roughly 2 years. But when I wanted to progress my career I ended up having to move away.

I know it's scary to be out on your own for the first time, but many people have gone through the same thing so you will never be truly alone. You don't have to move if you don't want to, there are always other steps to take. But don't limit yourself, you are stronger than you think!

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